Vision 2030
Vision 2030 is a high-level, aspirational community visioning-for-planning initiative. Visioning is a collective process where the community can “imagine the future” and think about how we can shape different parts of Town with different sets of ideas. Led by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), the project is possible, in part, through a Technical Assistance Program grant from that organization. The initiative will cover a broad range of topics, from public infrastructure and historic preservation to environmental resiliency and educational opportunities.
Objective and Output
The end result of this process is an illustrated plan report. It features a visual executive summary with a poster-style spatial framework; a community vision and values statement; and potential strategies for subsequent community action on how to achieve shared goals. The non-technical, user-friendly resource document can inform future discussions and be a reference for boards, committees, and other Town leaders.
The Process
The visioning process presented informative content on twelve visioning topics across three public forums and engaged participants with purposeful questions to elicit community input on “common ground” goals and shared values. The final report is based on community input from 922 online survey responses and approximately 185-195 zoom public workshop participants over the course of those public workshops.
The Vision Statement
We envision a Wakefield that:
- Protects and enhances its beautiful natural landscape, neighborhood character, and signature open space assets including Lake Quannapowitt, Crystal Lake, and Breakheart Reservation.
- Welcomes and supports residents in different life stages and is inviting to people of all backgrounds.
- Enhances its neighborhoods with housing options for all and safe walking and biking amenities.
- Improves its business districts with more services, leisure retail, job opportunities, and pedestrian amenities.
- Expands its social, civic, and cultural landscape with more creative placemaking amenities and more festive events.
- Invests in legacy civic projects that enhance our beautiful landscape and foster community gatherings for present-day residents and future generations.
- Reduces car dependency by leveraging its commuter rail access and other creative transportation innovations to support shops and residents.